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Understanding the Facilities Regulations: What Every GCC Factories Candidate Needs to Know

When we think about workplace safety, the focus often falls on machinery, hazardous substances, or accident prevention. But equally important are the facilities regulations.


These regulations ensure that workers have access to basic, hygienic, and safe amenities at work. For GCC Factories candidates preparing for the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHS Act) exam, understanding the facilities regulations is essential.


Why Facilities Matter in Occupational Health and Safety


Workplace facilities go beyond comfort – they directly link to health, hygiene, and productivity.


Imagine a workplace with unsafe drinking water, unhygienic toilets, or no proper dining space in a dusty environment. Such conditions increase health risks, lower morale, and may even expose the employer to criminal liability.


That’s why the Facilities Regulations, issued under the OHS Act, provide a legal framework that every employer must comply with.


Essential Facilities Regulations Provisions for the GCC Factories Exam


The facilities regulations consist of the following key provisions:


1. Sanitation


  • Employers must provide toilets, washbasins, and showers in line with the National Building Regulations (Parts F, P, Q).

  • Essentials include toilet paper, seats, towels, soap, hot/cold running water, and privacy measures.

  • Showers must have slip-free floors, obscure glazing, and proper drainage.


Exam Tip: Even small workplaces (<11 employees) can share adjoining premises’ facilities, but only if they meet SANS standards.


2. Facilities for Safekeeping


  • Employees (excluding office workers) must be given lockers or storage facilities for clothing and personal belongings.

  • Prevents contamination and loss of items.


3. Change-Rooms


  • Required for workers who shower or undress.

  • Must be separate for men and women, ventilated, and designed for privacy.

  • Cannot connect directly to areas with high-risk substances.

  • Must include seating, drying facilities for wet clothes, and obscure-glass windows.


4. Dining-Rooms


  • Mandatory if employees handle hazardous or dirty substances (chemicals, hides/skins, wool, dust, soot).

  • Must be clean, ventilated, and furnished with tables and chairs.

  • Cannot be used as a storage space or be directly connected to hazardous workrooms.


5. Prohibition in Work Areas


The employer must:

  • Prohibit smoking, eating, and drinking in contaminated work areas.

  • Display clear warning signs prohibiting smoking, eating, and drinking in contaminated work areas.


6. Drinking water


The employer must provide:

  • An adequate supply of potable water.

  • Clearly mark non-drinkable water outlets.


7. Seats


  • Where practical, employers must provide seating with backrests.

  • Even standing workers should be allowed to take sitting breaks.


8. Condition of Facilities


  • The employer must keep facilities in a clean, hygienic, safe, and well-maintained condition.

  • Inspectors can issue directives for compliance.


9. Offences and Penalties


  • Breaches of these regulations are criminal offences.

  • Penalties include fines up to R1,000 or six months’ imprisonment.

  • Continuous offences may attract daily penalties.


What GCC Factories Candidates Should Focus On


When studying the Facilities Regulations for the OHS Act exam, focus on:

  • Employee thresholds for when facilities (showers, dining rooms) become mandatory.

  • Specific requirements (toilet paper, soap, hot water, ventilation, obscure glass).

  • Prohibition rules (where eating/drinking is banned).


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What specific steps can employers take to ensure compliance with the Facilities Regulations?


Step 1: Assess Current Facilities


  • Conduct a baseline audit of toilets, showers, washbasins, drinking water points, lockers, dining areas, and seating.

  • Compare with National Building Regulations (Parts F, P, Q, C, O) and SABS standards (0400 & 241).

  • Identify gaps (e.g., too few toilets, no showers where required, no marked drinking water).


Step 2: Plan According to Workforce Needs


  • Calculate the number of employees and determine:

    • How many toilets/urinals/washbasins are required?

    • Whether showers or dining facilities are legally required.

    • Space for male/female change-rooms.

  • Prepare a facility compliance plan aligned with building codes.


Step 3: Provide Essential Facilities


  • Sanitation: Toilets with paper, soap, towels/dryers, hot/cold water.

  • Safekeeping: Lockers/personal storage for employees.

  • Change-Rooms: Gender-separated, ventilated, private, with seating & drying facilities.

  • Dining Rooms: Separate, clean, ventilated spaces where hazardous or dirty work is performed.

  • Drinking Water: Potable water marked clearly; non-potable sources labelled.

  • Seats: Backrest chairs were practical, resting facilities for standing jobs.


Step 4: Implement Prohibitions


  • Prohibit eating, drinking, or smoking in hazardous/dirty work areas.

  • Install clear signage in prohibited zones.

  • Designate alternative safe eating/smoking areas.


Step 5: Maintain Facilities


  • Establish a cleaning schedule (daily cleaning, periodic deep cleaning).

  • Keep facilities in a safe, hygienic, leak-free condition.

  • Ensure obscure glazing, ventilation, slip-free flooring, and proper drainage are maintained.


Step 6: Monitor & Review


  • Assign a responsible person (e.g., SHEQ Officer/Facilities Manager).

  • Conduct regular inspections & compliance audits (weekly/monthly).

  • Keep records of inspections, maintenance, and corrective actions.

  • Review facility adequacy when workforce size or work type changes.


Step 7: Train & Communicate


  • Train employees on the correct use of facilities (lockers, dining rooms, drinking water).

  • Educate staff on prohibition areas (no smoking/eating/drinking).

  • Involve the Health & Safety Committee in facility compliance monitoring.


Final Thoughts


The Facilities Regulations may appear simplistic compared to the technical sections of the OHS Act; however, they play a vital role in ensuring dignity, hygiene, and health in the workplace.


For GCC Factories candidates, mastering these details will not only help you pass the exam but also prepare you for your responsibilities as a future GMR 2(1) appointee.


At the end of the day, safe workplaces aren’t only about machines – they’re also about people.


Next Steps


Consider the following next steps depending on your situation:

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